By Ugo Benjamin

Contributing writer

A Smithfield woman will be watching the Summer Olympics more intently than most, having helped decide which athletes would represent the United States.

Julie Fabsik-Swarts, who moved to Smithfield three years ago in search of a peaceful, slower-paced lifestyle, was a judge for the U.S. gymnastics Olympic trials in Minneapolis, a highlight of her 43 years of experience as a judge after competing herself as a gymnast, then coaching youngsters in the sport.

The New York native’s day job is serving as chief executive officer of the International Employee Assistance Professionals Association, which focuses on helping workers stay in their jobs, decreasing turnover and absenteeism, and decreasing mental health issues.
Fabsik-Swarts explained that EAPA has offices in Europe, Asia and Africa and has grown due to countries seeking its services. The next expansion will be in Nigeria.

She said the EAPA partners with major sports organizations like the National Football League, National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball.

The retired “but not tired” gymnast and coach recently judged the Women’s NCAA Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, in addition to the Olympic Trials.

When asked what made her become a gymnast, she replied: “As it says in my book ‘Parenting A Gymnast,’ when I was a little girl I saw President Nixon go to China and saw the acrobats. Then I saw Olga Korbut at the 1972 Olympics and fell in love with gymnastics.”
Korbut, a Belarusian gymnast who competed for the Soviet Union in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics, won four gold medals and two silvers.

Fabsik-Swarts’ book is recommended by USA Gymnastics for parents and coaches and was written to encourage young athletes and their parents on how to guide future gymnasts in the right and safer way.

She said the book discusses positive motivations like the importance of hard work and teamwork for every gymnast.

Fabsik-Swarts is enjoying life in Smithfield, which she said she chose because of its proximity to the EAPA office in Arlington, and because it has less traffic and offers a lower cost of living than most cities in Hampton Roads.